I applied a fine coat of gesso with a credit card and I applied a various acrylic coats of paint above the gesso always with a credit card. To harmonize the background, I used a stencil with the modeling paste.

Oh my goodness.... what can I say but I LOVE this... What a wonderful photo also. The colors and textures you chose for the background are beautiful and truly enhance the photo. Loving the use of the ABC frame !!